Are abs all-or-nothing ?

Question

Male.
5'6''
130 pounds (give or take)

I have been working out consistently since July 1st. My arms and chest have improved, though I have an issue with toning and extra jelly in my arms and legs. I do cardio and know that well-balanced diet can take care of that jelly.
I know that the key to getting abs to show is getting rid of abdominal fat and even if I had a 6-pack they won't show until the fat on top of it (don't worry I am aware of the spot-reduction myth).
However, I have noticed that the two top abs of "pack" (right below my chest) have developed and are noticeable especially when flexing. They're not huge or particularly defined, but they are obviously there. So are abs all or nothing? Does that mean that I can expect to see some definition of the rest of the "pack" if I lost the the fat covering it?
This is just out of curiosity, I won't be changing my workout plan whether the answer is "yes" or "no", but feel free to give me any information, suggestions and advice.
Thanks!

Clarification: I guess what I mean by asking if abs are all-or-nothing is whether:

1) the abs develop all at once, or
2) develop "one at a time", as in pair by pair until the entire 6 pack (or even 8 pack) is accomplished

Thanks for everything guys!

Answer 1

depends what kind of excercise you do wether they will grow at once or the top ones will grow first. Do sit ups & the bridge, they work all the ab muscles at once. Dont cheat by throwing your weight forward as you go up.

Answer 2

Try this

1a. Renegade Dumbbell Rows
1b. Front Squats with Barbell
1c. Mountain Climbers on Floor

A good rep scheme to use with this could be 3-4 sets of 8 reps for each exercise, or more sets for less reps, such as 5 sets of 5 reps of each exercise. Mountain climbers can be done for a time interval (such as 30 seconds) instead of "reps".

Renegade dumbbell rows are done starting in a pushup position with the hands on 2 dumbbells. You then row one dumbbell up while stabilizing your body with the other arm. Bring the dumbbell back to the ground and alternate the rowing arm while stabilizing with the opposite arm. This stabilizing effect during the rows creates incredible work for your entire midsection core area. Trust me... you'll feel it in the abs!

Front squats are done similar to back squats, however with the barbell in front of your body on the front of your shoulders instead of resting on the upper back as in back squats. You stabilize the barbell on your shoulders by crossing your arms and pushing your fists into the bar against your shoulders while keeping your elbows out in front of the body. This takes a little practice at first, so you will want to seek a professional trainer at your gym to help you with the form. Front squats require extreme stabilization strength from the abs due to the barbell weight being shifted to the front of the body instead of the back. Even though this is mostly a leg exercise, you'll feel this one in the abs big time!

Mountain climbers are done by starting in a pushup position and then shuffling your feet in and out so that your knees are moving in under your chest and then back out to starting position. It sort of resembles climbing a mountain but flat on the floor. If you want an advanced version, you can also shuffle your hands 8-10 inches forward and backward in addition to the leg movements. This really makes it a full body exercise and MUCH more difficult than standard mountain climbers.

After finishing each exercise, rest about 30 seconds before starting the next exercise. Rest about 1-2 minutes after completing each "tri-set" before repeating.

This will give you one of the best ab workouts you've ever had without even doing any direct ab exercises. You'll see what I mean after you try it!

Once you get away from the myth that a 1000 crunches and 500 situps a day is all you need to do for great abs, then amazing results can be seen.

Different people take different times but you can guarantee you re not wasting any energy when you follow this guide.

Some secrets and tips can be found on this website and it also includes an amazing step by step guide. Lots of diet tips as well and find out why most of the gadgets like vibrating belts have no effect at all.

It helped me..have a look at

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Hope it helps

Answer 3

First off genetics is a big part into all of this. Not everyone is blessed with wonderful genetics for great well balanced abs. Obviously if you work hard with your traning and strict with your diet the better your abs will prevail. Let's not forget we are probally are own worst ememy when judging are own body parts, especially abs. You should learn to appreciate the work and dedication that gives you what you got right now, but know that you can improve and want to.. That should keep your motivation flowing.

Answer 4

Sounds like you are making great improvements!! Keep up the good work and you should see the results you are looking for coming.